Time is a funny resource. We know we have a limited supply, yet we never know when our supply is going to run out.
Five years ago, I threw Jeremy a surprise party for his 47th birthday. People asked me why on earth I didn’t wait until his 50th. I honestly didn’t know why, except that I felt a need to celebrate him now. I’m so thankful I did, because that was his last birthday with us.
God knew.
Our time on this earth is short. Tomorrow is not promised. Not for any of us. And not for the people we love. For this reason, I’m trying to teach my girls to live a life with no regrets. Here are a few things loss has taught me about living and loving well:
- Give Generously. Generosity isn’t just about money, either. Give of yourself. Give of your time. Give of your resources, meager as they may be. Offer hope and healing whenever you can, and do it with a happy heart.
- Love lavishly. Even when it’s risky. Even when it hurts. Even when you don’t feel loved. Love your people well. You’ll never regret loving too much.
- Forgive freely. People will sometimes hurt us. They are made of dust, just like we are. They may or may not seek forgiveness. Forgive them anyway; it will set you free.
- Celebrate copiously. Let those you love know how much you value them and their accomplishments. Make much of each other as often as you can.
- Serve selflessly. After your loved one is gone, you will wish you could go back and do more for them. Serve them while you still can.
We won’t all get a 50th birthday. Some won’t even get to see another one. No man knows, so make this day count.
No regrets.
LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4
Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
Psalm 90:12